Buying a Used Toyota

[Toufas]

Hello everyone,

I am new here, so first, a big thanks to the whole community for what you have created and your really helpful input.

Allow me to introduce my topic and the rivalry between 2 (3) candidates. Having already had some experience with Toyota as a previous owner of a 2000 1.3L Toyota Yaris (my first car), I always have Toyota at the top of my list when searching for a new (used) car. This time, after also convincing my wife (who happens to be German), things are getting more serious, and I have narrowed down my search to the following models (plus my thoughts):

1) Toyota Verso 1.6 D4D 2015 120.000km:

➕ Space, Extras
➖ I am a bit reluctant for this model as the BMW engine gives me headaches 
  
2)Toyota Auris Touring 1.3 2015 100.000km

➕ Space, Better look, Relatively good mileage
➖ Engine Power. ❗Also I read that the 1.3 vvti engine had in the previous Auris(2009-2012) some oil leaks problems. anyone knows if this have been fixed to that point?

 

3)Toyota Auris 1.6 2014 110.000km

➕ Engine, Extras
➖ Space

My top priority is reliability, and then comes the space and comfort (even though it's not so crucial yet). Lastly, engine power is the least important factor for me. The prices are more or less the same.

I would be glad if you could share any experience you might have with these models or provide any information/tips.😊

PS: In case this is not the right location for posts like this please let me know and I will remove it immediatly

[Hybrid21]

Hi Toufas, welcome to the forum, I'm sure that you'll find it helpful and friendly.

Re your questions I have no experience of these cars but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to give you their advice 👍

[Auris James]

Welcome Auris touring sport for me.

As a 2015 wouldn't it be a 1.2 litre turbo engine? If so not read any major issues.

Have you a budget for a hybrid? I have a 2015 Auris TS 1.8 litre. A good car. Cheap to run. Very reliable. Owned 3 years. AC Condenser under warranty. 12 volt start Battery replaced for £130.

James.

[paul9]

I had a version of the BMW diesel in my Freelander and had no real problems with it. That said, I don't think it was a patch on the Toyota D4D in my Avensis. Those were both the 2 litre versions. I probably wouldn't go for it in the Toyota, if I could get a decent D4D Toyota engined equivalent.

If you can get a decent test drive of them, see which is most comfortable for you to use and drive. For instance, my Astra was a little too low to the ground for getting my fat old backside in and out, comfortably. Also, it had no cupholders which greatly annoyed me. Great car, otherwise. So it had to go.

[Bper]

Hi Toufas, welcome to the forum.

As you have two Aurises in your choices I would go for one of these. I cannot comment on the Verso as I haven't owned one but I am sure members that have will be able to to share their options.

The Auris 1.6 is a good choice but I have a 2017 1.2T and it has not missed a beat in the last 18 months of ownership.

This was a "what car review" of the Auris and the comment on the 1.2T is particularly true in my opinion. 

How the Auris drives depends on which version you choose, because the 1.3 petrol and 1.4 diesel versions had a less sophisticated suspension set-up that means they ride and handle more crudely. Together with their gutlessness, that puts both engine options firmly on the ‘avoid’ list.

The other two petrols and the 1.6 diesel offer a relatively smooth ride, although even these can be caught out by the odd sharp bump. They do offer safe, predictable handling, although if you push an Auris hard, you’ll find it flops over in corners and pushes its nose wide at the slightest provocation – this isn't much fun. These versions are at least quick enough for most drivers, though; the 1.2 turbo is, in particular, a real gem, being both gutsy and smooth. 

Hope this helps good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.👍

 

[Toufas]

9 hours ago, Hybrid21 said:

Hi Toufas, welcome to the forum, I'm sure that you'll find it helpful and friendly.

Re your questions I have no experience of these cars but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to give you their advice 👍

Hello, thank you very much for your warm welcome 🙂

7 hours ago, Auris James said:

Welcome Auris touring sport for me.

As a 2015 wouldn't it be a 1.2 litre turbo engine? If so not read any major issues.

Have you a budget for a hybrid? I have a 2015 Auris TS 1.8 litre. A good car. Cheap to run. Very reliable. Owned 3 years. AC Condenser under warranty. 12 volt start battery replaced for £130.

James.

Hello James, 

Thank you for message! 

Yeah I can actually find on the price range few 1.2 Auris, so I might consider that, unfortunately the hybrid is bit over the budget, but I always have my alarms open for any good offer. Today I am going to test drive the 1.3 one and see how it works. 

 

5 hours ago, paul9 said:

I had a version of the BMW diesel in my Freelander and had no real problems with it. That said, I don't think it was a patch on the Toyota D4D in my Avensis. Those were both the 2 litre versions. I probably wouldn't go for it in the Toyota, if I could get a decent D4D Toyota engined equivalent.

If you can get a decent test drive of them, see which is most comfortable for you to use and drive. For instance, my Astra was a little too low to the ground for getting my fat old backside in and out, comfortably. Also, it had no cupholders which greatly annoyed me. Great car, otherwise. So it had to go.

Hello Paul! 

Thank you for sharing your experience, for me the most important is of it the engine can write some miles, as we are probably going to do around 20k km/year. I am going to check them all today and see how they ride. Thanks again for your input 🙂

49 minutes ago, Bper said:

Hi Toufas, welcome to the forum.

As you have two Aurises in your choices I would go for one of these. I cannot comment on the Verso as I haven't owned one but I am sure members that have will be able to to share their options.

The Auris 1.6 is a good choice but I have a 2017 1.2T and it has not missed a beat in the last 18 months of ownership.

This was a "what car review" of the Auris and the comment on the 1.2T is particularly true in my opinion. 

How the Auris drives depends on which version you choose, because the 1.3 petrol and 1.4 diesel versions had a less sophisticated suspension set-up that means they ride and handle more crudely. Together with their gutlessness, that puts both engine options firmly on the ‘avoid’ list.

The other two petrols and the 1.6 diesel offer a relatively smooth ride, although even these can be caught out by the odd sharp bump. They do offer safe, predictable handling, although if you push an Auris hard, you’ll find it flops over in corners and pushes its nose wide at the slightest provocation – this isn't much fun. These versions are at least quick enough for most drivers, though; the 1.2 turbo is, in particular, a real gem, being both gutsy and smooth. 

Hope this helps good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.👍

 

Hello Bper! Thank you very much! 

Well my main concern is if the 1.3 is reliable enough to reach around 200.000 miles. I know that in the end the ride could and up being really boring as you described them, this is also why I am considering the 1.6 one (but usually if I have my music, I enjoy every ride 😀). 

It seems that the 1.2 is the top option so I will look for any offers around my place!

Thank all of you for your time 🙂